What Is Taqlid?

Definition

Taqlid refers to the practice of following or imitating the legal rulings and opinions of a qualified Islamic jurist (mujtahid) without independently investigating the detailed textual evidence from the Quran and Hadith. It is a form of religious adherence where a layperson accepts the expertise of a scholar in matters of Islamic law (fiqh) and theology. Taqlid typically applies to those who are not trained in Islamic jurisprudence and thus rely on specialists for guidance on religious obligations and rulings.

Etymology and Meaning

The term “Taqlid” (Arabic: تقليد) linguistically means “imitation” or “following.” It derives from the root verb “qallada,” meaning to give or to put a necklace around someone’s neck, metaphorically indicating the act of accepting or following something imposed or given. In religious discourse, it denotes adherence to authoritative precedents or opinions rather than personal derivation or reasoning.

Historical Background

Taqlid as a formalized concept developed during the early centuries of Islamic history as the Muslim community expanded and legal and theological questions became more complex. Because not every believer could engage in ijtihad—the independent interpretation of legal sources—Taqlid became a practical necessity. Sunni and Shia scholars codified different schools of jurisprudence whose followers engaged in Taqlid to maintain consistency and communal cohesion. The concept gained particular prominence in the medieval period when legal schools such as Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali in Sunni Islam and various Shia jurisprudential traditions required laypeople to follow qualified scholars.

Role in Shia Islam

In Shia Islam, especially within the Twelver tradition, Taqlid holds a central role due to the belief in the necessity of following a living marja’ (source of emulation), who is a qualified mujtahid. Since the occultation of the Twelfth Imam, Shia Muslims have been obliged to perform Taqlid by adhering to the rulings of the most knowledgeable and pious jurists to ensure correct religious practice. This system institutionalizes religious authority and guides believers in implementing Islamic law, ethics, and rituals. Shia seminaries (hawzas) train scholars who may later become maraji’ that the community follows.

Different Views or Interpretations

Within Shia Islam, interpretations of Taqlid vary slightly, particularly between Usuli and Akhbari schools. The Usuli school advocates for Taqlid of living jurists and encourages the use of ijtihad by qualified scholars, whereas the Akhbari school rejects the necessity of Taqlid of living jurists and emphasizes direct reliance on the Quran and Hadith collections. In Sunni Islam, while Taqlid is practiced by many followers who adhere to one of the established madhhabs (legal schools), some modern reformist movements criticize strict Taqlid and encourage more individual engagement with scriptural sources.

Common Misconceptions

Why It Matters

Taqlid is significant because it facilitates the practical observance of Islamic law among the vast majority of Muslims who are not jurists. It maintains religious unity and continuity by linking believers to recognized authorities. In Shia Islam, it also reinforces the theological framework that supports the role of religious scholars as guides in the absence of the infallible Imam. Understanding Taqlid is essential for comprehending how Islamic jurisprudence is practiced and how religious authority is structured within Muslim communities.